"Pillars of the Earth": A Beginner's Guide to Plague, Famine, and Bishop-Wrangling

Rating: 9 Out of 10 Cups of Ale.

(I'd give it a 10 out of 10, but by the time I finished this long book, I forgot how it started. 📚😅)

Medieval Church Being Built Over Many Years

Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth" is not just a novel; it's an experience. An experience akin to watching a particularly long, particularly detailed, and particularly muddy documentary about 12th-century England.

You'll learn more about 12th-century stonemasonry than you ever thought possible. You'll become intimately acquainted with the intricacies of medieval plumbing (or lack thereof). And you'll discover that the phrase "building a cathedral" is a dramatic understatement. It's more like "wrestling a sentient mountain of stone into submission while simultaneously battling plague, famine, and the occasional errant bishop."

We meet a cast of characters who are as colorful as they are unforgettable. Let's dive into the top characters who make this historical saga a rollercoaster of emotions and architectural marvels.

1. Tom Builder: The ultimate medieval handyman. Tom's dream of building a cathedral is only slightly overshadowed by his knack for getting into trouble. He's the Bob the Builder of the 12th century. He is a man who can seemingly charm any woman (and, conveniently, any piece of stubborn wood) with a single, soulful glance. If there's a disaster, you can bet Tom is either causing it or fixing it.

   
   

2. Aliena: The original girl boss. Aliena goes from noblewoman to wool merchant extraordinaire, proving that you can lose everything and still come out on top. She's got more grit than a medieval street and a love life that's as complicated as a Byzantine mosaic. This spirited lady, who would rather scale a castle wall than submit to a boring husband.

   
   

3. Prior Philip: The monk with a mission. Philip is the kind of guy who would organize a bake sale to fund a cathedral if he had to. He's pious, determined, and has a knack for turning the other cheek—unless you're messing with his building plans.

   
   

4. Jack Jackson: The red-headed wonder. Jack is part artist, part architect, and all heart. Raised by a forest-dwelling mother, he brings a touch of the wild to the staid world of stone and mortar. Plus, he's got a love story with Aliena that's as tangled as a medieval tapestry.

   
   

5. William Hamleigh: The villain you love to hate. William is the medieval equivalent of a spoiled brat with a penchant for violence. If there's a dastardly deed to be done, William's your man. He's got all the charm of a snake and twice the venom.

   
   

6. Ellen: The forest witch with a heart of gold. Ellen is Jack's mother and a woman who knows how to survive in the wild. She's got a mysterious past, a sharp tongue, and a soft spot for her son. Think of her as the medieval version of a survivalist guru.

   
   

7. Waleran Bigod: The scheming bishop. Waleran is the kind of guy who would sell his own mother for a chance at power. He's got more plots than a graveyard and a moral compass that's perpetually spinning. If there's a back to be stabbed, Waleran's got the knife ready.

But here's the real magic: Follett masterfully weaves together a tapestry of historical events, intricate plotlines, and romance. You'll find yourself cheering for the builders as they race to complete the cathedral before the inevitable disaster strikes. You'll weep for the lost and the fallen. And you'll spend an inordinate amount of time wondering if you could survive a single day in 12th-century England (spoiler alert: you probably couldn't).

In conclusion: "Pillars of the Earth" is a monumental (pun intended) undertaking in describing the built of medieval church in England at a time of plague and famine. It's a feast for the imagination, a history lesson disguised as a thrilling adventure, and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Just be prepared for a long, slow burn. And maybe invest in a good pair of earplugs to drown out the constant dripping of water from leaky roofs.

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